Facing Forward To End Looking for Education Advocate at Chicago, IL Full Time

Organization Summary

Facing Forward to End Homelessness (Facing Forward) ends the cycle of homelessness for families and individuals by offering hope, help and housing. Facing Forward utilizes a Housing First model which provides permanent supportive housing to chronically homeless individuals, families, and veterans. Under this model, we first ensure that clients have a safe stable home and then we empower them as they lead a forward-facing life. By providing permanent housing and a full array of services, including case management, healthcare, referrals for substance abuse treatment, mental health issues, education and job training, we give people experiencing homelessness in Chicago the tools they need to reclaim their lives.

Vision

Facing Forward is committed to empowering all individuals to envision a brighter future. We are always striving to ensure our approach is reflective of the unique paths which have led people to Facing Forward. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where each member of Facing Forward is empowered to be themselves, share ideas, and contribute to the mission and vision of the organization. We believe that we are stronger together. We want to serve as a foundation, and work in partnership with clients, staff, vendors, and community partners. In unity, we can work to prevent and end homelessness for our clients; to partner and guide them on their journey toward stability, health, and self-sufficiency.

Position Summary

The Education Advocate focuses on the educational needs of children from Kindergarten through High School who are currently experiencing homelessness or have formerly experienced homelessness. The Education Advocate provides one-on-one support to students and parents, develops relationships with school- and community-based programs, and develops education-focused programming. This is a full-time position working Monday through Friday with some evenings and weekends necessary. A car is required to conduct home visits throughout the city of Chicago.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Direct Service Provision (70%)

• Complete all intake documentation including caregiver consent form.
• Review existing assessments regarding educational needs with students and their caregivers. Complete or request new academic assessments as needed.
• Develop and implement plans with students and caregivers to increase engagement in education, academic achievement, and social/emotional resilience.
• Collaborate with schools and community-based agencies to ensure that students receive appropriate supports.
• Advocate for the rights of students with special needs, including advocating for and attending meetings related to IEPs and 504 plans.
• Prep for and attend school meetings with caregivers including IEPs and 504 plan meetings.
• Refer students and caregivers to resources for tutoring, homework help, college and/or career preparedness, out-of-school time programs, social/emotional development, mental health services, etc.
• Provide coaching to caregivers on strategies for supporting children’s educational performance.
• Work with Program Manager to plan and facilitate caregiver meetings, trainings and workshops.
• Work with Program Manager to plan and facilitate monthly Family Nights and student-focused workshops, classes.
• Work with Facing Forward Early Childhood Advocate and other staff to support the transition of children from Preschool to Kindergarten.
• Work with Facing Forward Career Advocate and other staff to support the transition from High School to Post-Secondary Education and/or the workplace.
• Consult with Facing Forward Case Managers regarding educational needs of school-age children.
• Provide Facing Forward Case Managers with regular, ongoing updates related to the provision of education advocacy services to students and caregivers.

Staff Development (10%)

• Provide training to Facing Forward staff on education-related topics as needed.
• Act as a resource and consultant to other staff regarding the educational, social, and emotional needs of school aged children and adolescents.
• Provide supervision to volunteers and interns as needed.

Program Administration (20%)

• Assist program leadership in program development and evaluation, data collection, record keeping and reporting.

• Documents all client contacts and all services provided in progress notes.
• Maintains updated paper files in neat and legible condition.
• Completes all required paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.
• Completes timely and accurate data entry into HMIS and any additional database as needed according to agency policy.
• Uses email and other technologies to communicate with staff and others and to efficiently complete work assignments.
• Protects the organization’s value by keeping information confidential.
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks, participating in professional organizations.
• Maintains updated training and certification as directed by supervisor, including up-to-date mandated reporter status.
• Performs other duties as assigned; including but not limited to cleaning of office space and common areas, sorting donations, additional reporting and data entry responsibilities, and facilitating special events.
• Attendance at staff meetings as required.
• Attendance at special events as directed by supervisor.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Child Development, Social Work, or related field from an accredited college or university, or equivalent combination of education and experience; AND
• Experience: Minimum two years of experience working with homeless or low-income school-age children and their families, experience with schools and education-related agencies preferred.

Skills and Abilities:

• Proficient in use and knowledge of Microsoft Office and general office equipment
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with students and families who have experienced trauma, people with disabilities including mental illness, and people who may be agitated or upset
• Ability to show empathy and remain nonjudgmental
• Ability to make independent judgments
• Ability to manage multiple tasks
• Training or certification in Motivational Interviewing and Harm Reduction
• Knowledgeable of Chicago education system and resources, including resources for students with special needs; proficient in navigating Chicago Public Schools; Familiar with Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS) resources
• Demonstrated ability to engage parents and young people as experts

Certification/License: Valid driver’s license and insurance

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Work week is generally 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday, but evening and weekend work is required for events and meetings

• Travel between client residences and assigned location(s)
• Work is normally performed in the field and at client residences, including shelters and places not meant for human habitation, and remotely
• Conducts independent home visits
• Sitting for extended periods is required
• Intermittent physical activity including standing, walking, bending, climbing stairs, lifting (less than 40 pounds)
• Normal manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination
• Corrected hearing and vision to normal range
• Verbal communication
• Vehicle and Insurance Required

• Workplace is a smoke and drug-free environment

Decisions and criteria governing the employment relationship with all employees are made in a non-discriminatory manner, without regard to race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, citizenship status, military service and/or marital status, order of protection status, handicap, disability, or any other factor determined to be unlawful by federal, state, or local statutes

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

This description provides a summary of the major duties and responsibilities and is not an exhaustive list of the duties and responsibilities. The employee holding this position may be required to perform additional duties to meet the needs of the organization.